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Converter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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converter

[kənˈvəːtə ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

unit of measurement

A person or thing that converts something.

Synonyms

changer, transformer, transmuter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
converter

Typically used in technical contexts, referring to a device or software that changes something from one form to another.

  • The software acts as a converter for different file formats
  • He bought a voltage converter for his trip abroad
transformer

Commonly used in electrical contexts, referring to a device that changes voltage levels. It can also mean someone or something that brings about major changes or transformation.

  • The transformer in the machine adjusts the voltage
  • The new CEO is a true transformer of the company's culture
transmuter

Less commonly used, often found in literary or specialized contexts, referring to the process of changing something into a different form or substance.

  • The alchemist was known as a transmuter of metals
  • His imagination was a transmuter of dreams into reality
changer

Often used in more general contexts, referring to someone or something that causes a change or makes something different.

  • She is a real game changer in the industry
  • The remote control acts as a channel changer for the TV

Examples of usage

  • He's a tireless converter of ideas into action.
  • The converter can be used to change the format of the file.
Context #2 | Noun

electrical device

A device that converts something from one form to another, especially a piece of equipment that changes electrical signals from one form to another.

Synonyms

adapter, inverter, transformer.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
converter

Used to describe a device that changes something from one form to another. This is commonly used in electronics for converting signals or power.

  • The video converter allows you to watch old VHS tapes on your modern television
  • The power converter is needed to use your American laptop in Europe
transformer

Used when referring to a device that changes the voltage of alternating current (AC) in power systems. It's a core component in electrical grids and power management.

  • The neighborhood has a transformer to manage the electricity for all the houses
  • A transformer is required to step down high voltage for safe home use
inverter

Used for devices that convert direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC). This term is predominantly used in the context of electronics and power supply systems.

  • The solar panels are connected to an inverter to supply power to the home
  • An inverter is crucial for converting battery power into usable electricity
adapter

Used when referring to a device that allows one type of equipment to be connected to another type of equipment. It is often used for hardware compatibility.

  • You need a USB adapter to connect your mouse to the laptop
  • She bought a travel adapter to charge her phone in different countries

Examples of usage

  • The digital-to-analog converter is a crucial component in this system.
  • The voltage converter allows you to use your devices abroad.
Context #3 | Noun

software

A program that converts data from one format to another.

Synonyms

file converter, format converter, transcoder.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
converter

General term for any device or software that changes one thing into another.

  • The converter changed the AC current to DC current.
  • She used a video converter to save the file in a different format.
transcoder

More technical term often used in the context of digital media to refer to converting one codec to another.

  • We need a transcoder for converting the video files to a streaming-friendly format.
  • Using a transcoder ensures that the videos play on all devices.
format converter

Used to describe tools or software that focus specifically on changing the format of a file or media type.

  • A format converter can turn an AVI file into an MP4 file easily.
  • Download a format converter to change your audio files to MP3.
file converter

Specific software or tool used to change the format of a file (e.g., document, image, video).

  • I need a file converter to turn this PDF into a Word document.
  • The file converter helped me change the image from PNG to JPEG.

Examples of usage

  • This converter can change images into different file types.
  • The audio converter can convert MP3 to WAV files.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Technology

  • In electronics, a converter can change direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC) and vice versa, crucial for powering devices.
  • Audio converters change signals from one format to another, allowing different devices to communicate effectively, like turning vinyl records into MP3s.

Science

  • In renewable energy, converters enable the transformation of solar energy into usable electricity, promoting eco-friendly power sources.
  • Chemical converters, like catalytic converters in automobiles, help reduce harmful emissions, making vehicles more environmentally friendly.

Education

  • Learning about unit converters helps students understand and move between different measurements, like converting kilometers to miles.
  • Mathematics often involves converting fractions into decimals or percentages, highlighting the concept's importance in various subjects.

Culture

  • In music, converters help transcribe compositions across different instruments, enabling collaborations that mix styles and cultures.
  • Culinary conversions are common when translating recipes from one measurement system to another, like cups to milliliters.

Origin of 'converter'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'converter' comes from the Latin word 'convertere', which means 'to turn around' or 'to change'.
  • It has been used in English since the late 14th century, originally referring to someone who changes religion.

The word 'converter' originated from Middle English 'convertour', from Old French 'convertir', from Latin 'convertere' meaning 'to turn around'. The term has been used in various fields such as measurement, electricity, and software, adapting to the changing needs of technology and communication.

See also: conversion, convert, converted, convertible, convertibly, converting, interconvertible.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,146, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.